Communication Officer

As part of the External Resource Relations and Governance Department (ERG), the Communications Division (COM) leads implementation of IFAD’s Communication Strategy and acts variously as facilitator, partner and leader with regards to delivery of IFAD’s internal and external communication work. COM is a strategic partner for IFAD departments, divisions, offices and units in Rome and across the globe. The division has a team of expert staff in media relations, video production, writing, publishing, web and other digital media, graphic design, visual identity, brand management and internal communication to meet IFAD's communication priorities.

The Communication Officer, Global Media, reports to the Senior Communication Officer, Global Outreach, and as part of the Strategic Communication Team and in direct collaboration with members of the Global Outreach Unit, plans and implements communication activities and media coverage for IFAD's key spokespeople.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Communication Officer, Global Outreach, and in line with IFAD’s communication strategy, the Communication Officer will be responsible for the following functional activities:

• Provide strategic support
• Maximize impact
• Managerial functions

PROVIDE STRATEGIC SUPPORT:

• Act as a point of contact between IFAD and the media, evaluating requests  and recommending opportunities for  IFAD key spokespeople, in particular the President, Vice-President and other senior managers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with influential journalists and key media outlets, as well as other relevant partners, and actively pitch IFAD spokespeople and stories.
• Create opportunities and advise on approaches to maximize media interest in IFAD and to establish the organization as a recognized thought leader and expert voice in top-tier global media outlets.
• Produce strong written content, including press releases, media advisories, statements, op-eds, blogs, web stories and letters to the editor, ensuring accurate, effective media-friendly messaging.
• In coordination with COM colleagues and concerned divisions, research the subject matter to develop strong pitches for media, and ensure the timely provision of effective and accurate key messages, media talking points, background briefs and other materials in support of spokespeople and their interactions with media.
• In consultation with the Senior Communications Officer, Global Outreach, identify priority media in target countries and propose outreach strategies in line with national interests. Liaise and collaborate with global media consultants in other countries, as well as regional and national communication officers, to maximize media outreach opportunities and ensure consistency of messaging.
• Provide input and advice to spokespeople on media outreach opportunities, ensuring preparedness for encounters with journalists at interviews, press conferences and media events.

Working in close collaboration with the Communication Officer/Speechwriter, identify messages in speeches of potential interest to media.

MAXIMIZE IMPACT:

• In consultation with concerned divisions, create and manage strategic communication and media opportunities for spokespeople on official trips and at high-level events.
• As required, develop and implement communications strategies for key corporate events, initiatives and report launches.
• Ensure campaigns, social media strategies and other communication initiatives align with communication activities planned for spokespeople.
• Serve as a core member of the COM rapid response team.

Perform other duties as required.

MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: Is accountable for integrity, transparency, and equity in the personal use of assigned IFAD resources, including equipment, supplies and, as applicable, staff supervised.

The Communication Officer is a seasoned professional in the field of Communication. The quality of work and external communications performed by the Officer directly impacts on the professionalism of the incumbent and the overall reputation of the Communication Division in terms of both substantive depth and adaptive relevance to emerging issues and changing client needs. S/He follows established procedures but is expected to make recommendations on strategies for engagement and communications products. The Communication Officer is accountable for quality, substantive input and ability to project a competent and trusted image of the Fund to partners within IFAD and outside.

Representational functions of the Communication Officer are focused on establishing and maintaining relationships, building stronger relationships, identifying and pursuing of opportunities for outreach, engagement, and collaboration, and projecting the image of a credible/reliable partner. S/He presents policy positions, seeking to inform and build partnerships, within the limitations of guidelines set by the supervisor. Work relationships are established and maintained with counterparts both inside as well as outside the Fund. Exchange of information typically requires proactivity to clearly establish the policy, positions or practices of the Fund. S/He functions as a collaborative partner within the Fund to enhance Communication.

COMPETENCIES

Organizational

• Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence (Level 1)
• Demonstrating Leadership: Personal leadership and attitude to change (Level 1)
• Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Continuously seeks to learn, shares knowledge and innovates (Level 1)
• Focusing on clients: Focuses on clients (Level 1)
• Problem solving and decision making: Demonstrates sound problem solving and decision making ability (Level 1)
• Managing time, resources and information: Manages own time, information and resources effectively (Level 1)
• Team Work: Contributes effectively to the team (Level 1)
• Communicating and negotiating: Communicates effectively: creates understanding between self and others (Level 1)
• Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains effective working relationships (Level 1)

Technical/Functional

• Excellent spoken and written English with proven experience writing materials for the media and pitching stories and interviews to top-tier global journalists; very strong writing skills and news sense; good understanding of the global media market and strong contact base of influential journalists and top-tier media outlets; familiarity with current trends, styles and developments in media; ability to conceive of, write, edit and deliver effective and memorable key messages and talking points, and media outreach materials; ability to exercise independent judgment, to make appropriate choices and to take responsibility for the accuracy of information and quality of outreach products.
• Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with journalists; effective communicator with the ability to convey technical concepts and recommendations to non-technical staff at all levels; excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in a multi-culture; multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Results-oriented, team contributor applying excellent technical skills and knowledge to communications strategies and approaches
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines, often under pressure
• Commitment to personal performance and self-development

Minimum Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in journalism, communications, social sciences or other job-related fields. The Advanced University degree may be substituted by a first university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) plus at least four additional years of relevant professional experience, over and above the minimum number of years of experience as stipulated below.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience as a communications, media or public information officer, in highly disciplined and demanding communication environments.

Language requirements:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Working knowledge of another official language (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable.